“2016 State of the World’s Children Report: A Fair Chance for Every Child”

Around the world, children make up nearly half of the almost 900 million people living on less than $1.90 a day. Their families struggle to afford the basic health care and nutrition needed to provide them with a strong start. These deprivations leave a lasting imprint; in 2014, nearly 160 million children were stunted.

Despite great progress in school enrollment in many parts of the world, the number of children aged 6 to 11 who are out of school has increased since 2011. About 124 million children and adolescents do not attend school, and 2 out of 5 leave primary school without learning how to read, write or do basic arithmetic, according to 2013 data. This challenge is compounded by the increasingly protracted nature of armed conflict. Nearly 250 million children live in countries and areas affected by armed conflict, and millions more bear the brunt of climate-related disasters and chronic crises.

It doesn’t need to be this way.

By shifting priorities and concentrating greater effort and investment on children who face the greatest challenges, governments and development partners can make sure every child, including those born into poverty has a fair chance to achieve her full potential – and realize a future of her own making.